The Secret Life of Gershon Burd

The hidden deeds of the man we thought we knew.

We, the members of his community in the Old City of Jerusalem, thought we knew Gershon Burd. The men at the yeshiva where he worked full time and learned Torah full time thought they knew Gershon. Batya, his wife of ten years and the mother of his five children, thought she knew Gershon.

Only after Gershon drowned in the Mediterranean on his 40th birthday, October 4, did the truth, or tantalizing glimpses of the truth, start to emerge.

On the second day of the shiva, a woman Batya knew appeared in the Burd home. As Batya recounts: “She looked at me with this look and said, ‘I’m going to tell you something you don’t know. No one in the world knows this except me and your husband.’” The woman paused, as if reluctant to divulge her secret. “For nine years, I was the front for your husband’s tzedaka [charity] fund.”

Batya was dumbfounded, “What tzedaka fund?”

The woman continued: “Your husband came to me with money every month and a list of names. I would call the people and they would come to me to pick up the money. They never knew who it came from.”

The proprietor revealed to Batya that Gershon had been paying for the helium balloons.

And then there were the helium balloons. Everyone in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City knew that a certain stationery store gives a free helium balloon to every child on his or her birthday. Since most of the children here come from large, low-income families, a helium balloon is a real glee-producer. On Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah, every child receives two free helium balloons. The Burd children were among those who relished this delightful prize.

No one knew who was sponsoring the free balloons. Paying a shiva call, the proprietor revealed to Batya that Gershon had been paying for the helium balloons. At the end of every month, he would slip into the store and surreptitiously pay for that month’s balloons.

100 Questions

Greg Burd was born in Odessa in 1973. Three years later his parents immigrated to Chicago. Proud but non-observant Jews, they were not equipped to give their only son and two daughters a Jewish education. Greg went to public school, played on his high school football team, became a lifeguard, and got a B.A. in business from the Indiana University.

Greg was 25 years old and working in his father’s insurance agency when his mother invited him to come with her to a Torah class at Rabbi Daniel Deutsch’s Chicago Torah Network. Greg loved the class, and made an appointment to speak to Rabbi Deutsch privately. He brought with him a list of one hundred questions.

Three months later, telling his parents, “I’m in preschool; I don’t know anything about Judaism,” Greg flew to Israel to learn Torah at Ohr Sameach Yeshiva. He returned to Chicago ten months later, but not for long. “I’m in kindergarten,” he told his parents. “I have to learn more.” He returned to Jerusalem. Every year his refrain was, “I’m in first grade. I have to learn more.” “I’m in second grade. I have to learn more.”

At the age of 30, Greg (now Gershon) married Batya Fefer, 28. She, too, came from a Russian family. Raised in Toronto, Batya was a lawyer working for Toronto’s top corporate tax firm when she decided that there had to be more to life. Her spiritual search took her to Nepal, where she climbed Mt. Annapurna, to India, where she met the Dalai Lama, and to a dozen other countries.

Back in Toronto, a friend told her about a free Birthright trip that would take her to Israel. Batya decided that that was a good way to get halfway back to India. Once in Israel, however, she started learning about Judaism at EYAHT, Aish HaTorah’s women’s division. She became observant, and in 2003 married Gershon Burd. They settled in the Old City.

Elaborate Ruses

Everyone considered Gershon a nice guy. One of his study partners recalled how Gershon would purposely choose a seat in the yeshiva across from the entrance so he could smile at people as they walked in. He was affable and gentle. In ten years of marriage, Batya heard her husband raise his voice only once—when he felt that someone was trying to rip off the yeshiva. But Gershon’s nice-guy persona was a mere front for his carefully hidden true identity.

Three years ago, Gershon approached Rabbi Nissim Tagger, the head of Yeshivas Bircas HaTorah, where Gershon was both learning and working as administrator. Gershon asked Rabbi Tagger to accept as a student a young man named David, whom Gershon intuited had tremendous potential. Rabbi Tagger had seen David, with his long, curled peyot and hippie-ish dress. “He doesn’t fit in at all with our Yeshivah,” Rabbi Tagger refused.

“He looks like that, but it’s not who he really is,” Gershon begged.

“Will he pay tuition?” Rabbi Tagger queried.

“No,” Gershon answered simply. “He has no money.”

“I have no scholarships available,” replied Rabbi Tagger.

The next day, Gershon returned to Rabbi Tagger and said, “David’s parents decided to pay for most of his tuition, and he’ll do odd jobs to pay for the rest.”

With misgivings, Rabbi Tagger decided to give David a two-week trial period.

Only after Gershon’s death did Rabbi Tagger find out that it was Gershon who paid David’s tuition.

Three years later, David is an accomplished Torah scholar at the yeshiva. Only after Gershon’s death did Rabbi Tagger find out that David’s parents had not paid a penny. It was Gershon who paid David’s tuition. “He lied to me straight to my face,” Rabbi Tagger says, holding back his tears.

The wife of one of the students of the yeshiva had not seen her parents back in America for several years. When she received news that her mother was ill, she wanted to fly back, but she didn’t have enough money for airfare. Hearing about it, Gershon told the woman about a credit card company that was offering a fantastic deal. If she signed up for the credit card and paid just $50, she would receive enough miles to get a free round-trip ticket. Gershon even showed her the promotion on his laptop, and offered to sign her up, explaining that he too would get miles for referring her.

The woman happily gave Gershon the information to sign her up, got her ticket, and flew to America to be with her mother. She never knew that Gershon had made up the whole promotion, even devising the graphic of the ad. Gershon himself paid for her ticket.

Once Gershon decided that a struggling family in the community really needed to take their children for a fun day at “Kef-Tzuba,” an attraction with giant blow-up trampolines, castles, etc. The family lacked the funds for such an outing, so Gershon got them a free coupon. They never knew that Gershon had paid for their admission and fabricated the professional-looking coupon.

Telling this tale, Batya laughs. “Gershon was a shyster. I only know what I know because I caught him on some things.”

When Gershon became aware of couples who were experiencing marital friction, he would surreptitiously pay for therapy sessions for them, with neither the couple nor the therapist aware of who was paying.

Nine years ago, Gershon got an idea. He created “Western Wall Prayers,” and put Batya in charge of it. This is a service where people all over the world can pay to have someone go to the Kotel and pray for them for 40 consecutive days. Not only have hundreds of people had their prayers answered through this age-old custom, but also the money raised supports many families of Torah scholars in the Old City.

At the shiva, the Rosh Yeshiva disclosed that Gershon once came to him and asked if it was permissible according to Jewish law to give the “prayer agents” fake names to pray for. It was a low period for Western Wall Prayers, and Gershon was worried that the people supported could not afford to lose their regular checks. In order to maintain their dignity, he wanted to continue the funding from his own pocket by giving out fictitious names for which to pray.

Why did Gershon go to such lengths to hide his charitable acts? “He really believed,” explains Batya, “that if the giver gets something from his chesed [act of loving-kindness], it diminishes the chesed. So if someone knows what you did, it means you got something from it, recognition or whatever. The mitzvah is much more powerful if you get nothing … except in the Next World.”

The Real Mystery

The mystery, of course, is where did the money come from? The Burds were not well-to-do. They didn’t even own a car. They had no inherited wealth and Gershon’s salary as yeshiva administrator was sufficient to cover only the family’s living expenses. Sitting across from Batya at the shiva, I ask her, “Where did Gershon get the money?”

“I have no idea!” she exclaims. “I really don’t know. For years we had a crack in the sink that we couldn’t afford to repair. I have no idea where he got the money to do all this chesed that we’re hearing about now. No idea.”

Daniel Rostenne, Gershon’s best friend and study partner, solves this mystery. “Gershon spent next to nothing on himself,” he explains. “He bought his shoes used on EBay. Used shoes! He bought his suits used on EBay. He would brag to me, ‘Look at this suit. I got it for $10, plus $10 shipping!’ He got his laptop, a used MacBook Air that sells new for $1200, for just a few hundred dollars. He simply didn’t spend money on his personal needs.”

Gershon scrimped on his own needs, so he could be generous in satisfying the needs of others.

Gershon’s red carpet to the Next World is lined with helium balloons, fake coupons and an anonymous charity fund.

His final deal was an overnight getaway at Tel Aviv’s Sheraton Hotel for just him and Batya to celebrate his 40th birthday, paid for with credit card points. Gershon’s favorite recreation was swimming in the ocean. He and Batya deposited their things in their hotel room and went to the beach. Taking one look at the muddy water, Batya opted to sit on the shore. Gershon, an expert swimmer and trained lifeguard, plunged into the waves. Minutes later, a rock or large piece of debris struck him in the back of the neck. Knocked unconscious, he was under water for 15 minutes before Batya, desperately scanning the sea with her eyes, saw her husband’s body float up toward the beach.

A few hours before the funeral, Batya said to one of the yeshiva students: ‘There’s a plan, and what was supposed to happen, happened. Gershon is smiling now in his world. It’ll be hard for me and the children. But Gershon is shining.”

Gershon’s red carpet to the Next World is lined with helium balloons, fake coupons, fictional credit card promotions, an anonymous charity fund, undercover tuition payments, surreptitiously sponsored marriage counseling sessions, and how many other hidden acts of chesed that we will never know.

Hiddenness is a sacred value in Judaism. In fact, according to Jewish lore, the world is sustained in every generation by the merit of 36 hidden tzaddikim. Could a Russian-born former football player from Chicago be one of them?

About the Author

Sara Yoheved Rigler is a popular international lecturer on subjects of Jewish spirituality. She has given lectures and workshops in Israel, England, France, South Africa, Mexico, Canada, Chile, Panama, and over 35 American cities. She is one of the most popular authors on Aish.com, world’s biggest Judaism website, and is a columnist for Ami Magazine. Sara Yoheved Rigler is the author of five best-sellers: Holy Woman; Lights from Jerusalem; Battle Plans: How to Fight the Yetzer Hara (with Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller); G-d Winked; and Heavenprints . She gives a weekly Marriage Webinar for Jewish Workshops on a spiritual approach to marriage, with hundreds of members throughout the world. She lives in the Old City of Jerusalem. Her newest book, Emunah with Love and Chicken Soup, the story of Henny Machlis, the Brooklyn-born girl who became a Jerusalem legend, was was released in November, 2016. Her website is: sararigler.com.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 99

(83)
Devorah Springer-Deutsch,
June 26, 2016 9:22 PM

Sara Yocheved Rigler

You are an amazing writer. Thank you for bringing all the truths of Gershon and Batya Burd to light. I am sure there will be many more inspiring stories yet to be heard.

Devorah

(82)
Anonymous,
April 20, 2015 3:36 PM

wow

such an inspiration

(81)
M Richard Leopold,
March 10, 2015 4:53 PM

awesome

This is awesome. A wonderful man.

(80)
Anonymous,
April 2, 2014 5:25 PM

You are an inspiration, Batya!

Dearest Batya,
I'm not sure if you remember me, but we learned together years ago at sharei bina. I just read these articles about your husband and your incredible steadfast emunah. Thank you for being a real live inspiration to me, not just a distant name, but someone who I actually know and can relate to. You are the real thing! You are living the gates & ways of righteousness & tzaadikim that we learn about in books. I'm sure it's not easy, but I am utterly inspired and trying to live life differently now after reading your story. Thank you! Hshem should comfort you, strengthen you, and help you to feel his unconditional love, especially at this time of renewal & redemption.
Thank you.
Love,
Leah from sharei binah

(79)
Mordechai Kofi Amofa,
April 2, 2014 12:07 AM

his life is simply incredible. his wife. his wife is also awesome. what a couple. matches are made in heaven.

I am completely moved by this story. I never heard about Gershon until reading this but what I have read has made his life a blessing to me. He has touched me to the core and I am really blessed by his life. His wife's positive interpretation of his death will forever make her a heroine just as he was a hero

(78)
Pat Chacha,
March 31, 2014 8:10 PM

I thank God for The Western Wall Prayers and Gershon

Hello Batya, I am sorry for the loss of your husband. I thank God for him. I had no idea the Western Wall Prayers was his idea. Nine years ago I connected with you and started to participate in the Western Wall Prayer. Although I indicated that I am a Christian it made no difference to you, my prayers still went to the wall . God has answered many prayers that your team has prayed for me at the wall. Please note that your husband's obedience has touched this Canadian Gentile. May God give your heart His Shalom. Rest assured that you and your children will know NO lack. I am praying for you.

(77)
Phyllis Thaler,
March 31, 2014 1:32 PM

What a Beautiful Soul

My heart broke as I read about Gershon and the tragedy that took his young life. I was overwhelmed by his generosity towards others, especially the fact that he sought no recognition for his great Tzedakah deeds. What a humble, beautiful soul! May he rest in peace in Gan Eden and may his wonderful wife and children be consoled among the mourners of Jerusalem.

(76)
Michael,
February 27, 2014 3:29 AM

A rare example of altruistic tzedakah.

Pirek 57 possuk Aleph of Yishiahu seems pertinent."The righteous perishes , & no man lays it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none cosidering that THERIGHTEOUS IS TAKEN AWAY FROM THE EVIL TO COME.Hopefully Batya finds some comfort in this possuk.

(75)
Orah,
December 24, 2013 2:49 PM

Strength and Blessings

What beautiful people, you and your husband. May you and your family continue to pass on the light that Gershon brought into this world. May you always have strength when you need it. Life comes and goes, but his kindness will resonate forever -- even over here, in Florida, with someone who just read about him! Both of you inspired me! May we all go from strength to strength together.

(74)
Shlomo,
November 5, 2013 9:51 PM

A Special Human Being and a Good Friend

I met Gershon at yeshiva over 10 years ago. We were, I think, good friends. He was always a genuine and positive human being. This is the first I've heard of his passing, as I've been out of touch since leaving Israel.

I never knew he accomplished all these things, but knowing him, and having him as my friend for years, none of it surprises me. This was a unique and special neshama, and although he's gone to his reward, the world is diminished by his departure.

(73)
Avner Israel,
October 29, 2013 7:04 AM

Starting Yeshiva with Greg

Greg and I started yeshiva together at Ohr Somayach in 1998. I remember when he first arrived, we instantly hit it off and spent alot of time together learning and traveling around Israel on trips the yeshiva took us on. He was a great guy, always friendly and after reading this article it's clear how kind and generous he was as well. My condolences go out to his family. He will be sorely missed.

(72)
Anonymous,
October 28, 2013 2:49 AM

Amazing person !?

Wow ! Incredible story truly special person who did more in his short life than people do by age 70
May you have a nechama .. So sad !

(71)
Anonymous,
October 22, 2013 5:13 AM

Praying for others

Rabbi Burd zt"l was the first to initiate the concept of prayer for others at a holy place. Now many others are following his lead. In his great merit, may we learn to pray for each other with ayin tova and avahat chinam.

(70)
Leila,
October 21, 2013 8:50 PM

You are an inspiration

Batya,

You are truly an inspirational person. I have been reading your blog at westernwallprayers.org and following your updates on facebook, and your incredible faith at such a time is a real Kiddush Hashem. May G-d grant you continued strength and comfort.

(69)
joshua,
October 18, 2013 8:45 PM

good example

He was an inspiring human being. I would like to emulate his actions.

(68)
Anonymous,
October 18, 2013 8:39 PM

Heartbroken

He died on his 40th Birthday.He came back to life Erev Shabbos, and was on life-support for 40 hours.He founded a website [WesternWallPrayers] in which people paid to have a name prayed for them, for 40 Days.

I'm seeing the number 40 a lot over here. It must mean something.

david scop,
October 20, 2013 1:32 PM

connection to 40

For that answer you need to be at least 40 years old, have learned all the revealed Torah, and then ask those that know if they'll teach you the hidden Torah. Better believe completely that Hashem does chessed in this world and loves us all. Don't ask why till after 120 when you meet Him.

(67)
Petra Morkel,
October 18, 2013 2:33 PM

A life well lived. an investment in eternity

(66)
Yakov Gutkin,
October 18, 2013 4:51 AM

I miss him dearly...

I lost a great and precious friend, who was an incredibly special human being. Though we seldom saw each other in the last 10 years after I came back from Israel, we stayed in touch via email and occasionally saw each other on his visits to Chicago. I saw him last time just 9 weeks ago in the Old City during my short visit to Eretz Yisroel. I can still feel his hug. I miss you so much, dear Gershon!! He must have spent at least 45 minutes walking with us all over the Old City on a very busy, late Erev Shabbos, as we followed our own tour guide. He always wanted to give of his time, his smile, his friendship. For his friends who knew him from Chicago going back 15 years, Gershon personified the teaching of our Sages about “carrying another’s burden.” He always tried to put the needs of others ahead of his own. And he did all those things seamlessly, as if anticipating the need before it came, as if to say, “Don’t worry, I will take care of it. You can rely on me.” He let me live in his apartment for a number of months (free of charge), prepared meals for me, constantly drove me around (when I was without a car), made Shabbos meal plans for me, the list just goes on and on. About 14 years ago, when still living in Chicago, he wanted me to come with him to his shul’s annual dinner. To this day, I don’t really remember if I actually paid for that dinner. He most likely “arranged” it, just like he “arranged” many other of his “projects.” His connection to Hashem and Torah was so genuine and real, it was awe inspiring to see him daven, or learn Chumash in R’Deutsch’s shiur (where he schlepped me quite often), or ask his sheilos (questions) to his spiritual advisors in Chicago and in Israel.Dear Batya, may Hashem give you and your precious children strength to go through this difficult time and to continue carrying Gershon’s memory and the legacy of his deeds!! Our hearts are broken, but we will carry on his memory and model our deeds after his own.

(65)
Miriam,
October 17, 2013 4:05 PM

Beautiful and inspiring piece. Thank you Sara Yoheved for sharing.

Yonasan Rosenblum also wrote about Gershon in his weekly column. He wrote that almost every one of Gershon's immediate relatives became observant! Perhaps because of his loving ways! For example, he called his grandmother every day to tell her he loves her!!

(64)
leah bleiberg,
October 17, 2013 2:56 PM

over the top article

Everyone I know who has read this article (or heard me describe it) is blown away by the incredible sensitivity of this special soul. The ending of the article brought me to tears. Sara, your articles continue to inspire. Keep up the great work.

(63)
Ron Chafetz,
October 17, 2013 1:58 PM

The anonymous giver

Wonderful article! Gershon Burd is so special in that every good deed and act of charity was done anonymously. Gershon hid his giving nature, the sign of a real hero.

(62)
Dalia G,
October 17, 2013 1:15 PM

Looks like Batya is starting to talk to people via her blog: http://westernwallprayers.org/blog/And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westernwallprayers?fref=ts

May you be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and have strength in this trying time.

(61)
Eliezer Liff,
October 17, 2013 12:26 PM

Gratitude

This past Rosh Hashana Gershon and Batya opend their home and hearts to 25 Neve beginner students. The girls were greeting into a home filled with warmth and kidness. The table was filled with divre Torah from Rabbi Burd that were inspiring and relatable to the girls. Gershon took his time answering any questions about Judism which the students had. Rabbi Burd z"l had a powerful impact on the girls, who left the Burd home on a spiritual high which carried them through the rest of Rosh Hashana . He feft a powerful and inspiring impression on the girls through his caring attitude and inspiring message about life, which was a kiddush Hashem

On behalf of all the students, we would like to express our felings of gratitude and thanks to the Burd family for their great kindness and hospitality

On behalf of Neve Yerushalayim May the Al-Mighty comfort Mrs Batya Burd and the entire Burd family among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem

Eliezer Liff

Mechina

Neve Yerushalayim

(60)
Vidal Bekerman,
October 16, 2013 8:37 PM

A good old friend. BD"H

BH

I met Gershon 15 years ago at Ohr Somayach. We were roommates, and doing teshuva at the same time. He was a very special human being. We kept in touch for about 5 years, and unfortunately lost touch after that. I always heard what he was up to, and was very proud of his holy work in Eretz Yisrael. May Hashem comfort his wife and beautiful family. BD"H.

(59)
Steve Hosken,
October 16, 2013 12:29 PM

Thank G_D for Gershon Burd !

His life is an Inspiration, a great legacy for his family, and all who now hear of him !

(58)
Gidon Ariel,
October 16, 2013 6:04 AM

shocked and devastated to hear

May you be comforted by the Comforter of Jerusalem

(57)
Anonymous,
October 15, 2013 10:47 PM

I am angry and bewildered

I have read most of the comments about G-d's Will, and even his wife's comments about holy people being taken on their 40th birthday, that the righteous suffer too, blah blah blah. For me, the bottom line is that a lot of people could have continued to benefit from Rav Burd's generosity, and that there are five young children who will grow up without their father. Therefore, I don't see how his work was done because the work is never done.

Anonymous,
October 16, 2013 2:49 PM

Unfortunately nobody, no matter how great they are and how much they give will live forever and it’s of course incredibly sad when someone, especially one who has so much to give passes at a young age. But that doesn’t mean his giving ended. He was clearly a man who was very unusual in both his generosity and the way he chose to give. The publicity for some of his countless acts of kindness has absolutely inspired and will continue to inspire many others to live in the same way and many more people will be helped as a direct result of the way he lived. That’s a pretty amazing legacy and it is absolutely to his credit and a continuance of his work that an army of people doing chesed in the right way is growing. HaMakom yenachem et'chem b'toch shar avay'lay Tzion vee'Yerushalayim.May the Omnipresent comfort you (Gershon’s family) among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

LarryB,
October 17, 2013 12:15 PM

Dear angry and bewildered

since life and everything in it is a gift from G-d, yes that would be the good and the bad. Clearly you are mad at g-d? this story might not seem so blah blah blah if you consider the amount of good it can inspire via the internet. This kind of story can inspire thousands. Help thousands more. I would like to suggest a donation to the family to help with the confusion.

(56)
Glenn,
October 15, 2013 10:34 PM

What a kiddush Hashem

Thank you for publishing this article about a chessed machine. What an inspiration. Clearly his wife , perhaps unknowingly , played a major role in his chessed.

(55)
Betty,
October 15, 2013 8:44 PM

Batya and your Wonderful Children, You are Amazing. I love you and Pray for you. Our G-D does not slumber nor sleep. He is watching over you. Love and Blessings, Betty.

Batya,
We Love you.
Betty.

(54)
jon,
October 15, 2013 4:18 PM

the best partner

There is something that I would like to add to Mrs. Rigler's beautiful article about Gershon.Batya was always 1st place in Gershon's life.As I wrote earlier, I had the zchus to spend a lot of time with Gershon.Batya you probably don't even know how many times Gershon cancelled our 'meetings' because of his concern for your needs.Your March 3rd wedding over 10 1/2 years ago was absolutely amazing (we still have the benchers, BH) ;-)I don't think I have ever been to a chasana like yours (the ruach was out of this world).We waited so impatiently for you.Somehow, I still have emails from Gershon dating back many years.He showed such concern and always asked about who and what he should be davening for.He would surprise me with emails asking about my father's health or the volatile markets.I guess I should not have been surprised.Gershon's tefillah list.What an amazing neshama.I love him.Wish we were still there.

המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים

(53)
yeshua,
October 15, 2013 2:02 PM

A light gone to light!!!

may we that are alife learn from it,and i know many jews are still doing the same thing in our time. may Hashem confort his family among with zion mners.shalom.

(52)
Leezie Rothstein,
October 15, 2013 2:00 PM

Thank you so much for this article. His chessed and especially how he did chessed reflects a life lived with such clarity, and true integration of Torah. Thank you for this chizuk.

(51)
MYRIAM GITTEL ELIORA,
October 15, 2013 1:52 PM

SINCERE CONDOLENCES

SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO BATYA AND FAMILY ....MAY THE WARMTH OF YOUR MEMORIES COMFORT YOU DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT MOMENT IN YOUR LIVES ....MAY HIS SOUL BE AT PEACE IN GAN EDEN ....MAY YOU AND ALL THOSE OVERWHELMED BY HIS TRANSITION ... FIND PEACE

BLESSINGS .MGE

(50)
Anonymous,
October 15, 2013 12:31 PM

Truly a special person

Gershon ate at my house when becoming frum, and I watched from a distance with pride and even awe as he became a solid, complete member of the Torah community. I am in shock at his passing - as a previous commenter said, Gershon was someone strong and reliable, he seemed like he would be around and available forever.I am in tears thinking about the loss.Hashem should help his family carry on. If a fund is set up for him, please include the details in Aish's email.

May we all learn to appreciate the special people we have among us, and not take anyone for granted.

(49)
Shmuel & Shiri Diamond,
October 15, 2013 5:52 AM

Sar shel Chesed

It sound's to me like the sar shel chesed left this world one day before the sar shel Torah, so the sar shel Torah should receive the welcome he deserves. Thank you Gershon for inspiring me to care. You are a true inspiration!

(48)
Yehoshua Dimarsky,
October 15, 2013 3:33 AM

So inspiring...

What an amazing article about such an amazing person...
I knew Gershon when I was a kid and he used to come to my house for shabbos as he was becoming frum. Then when my mother passed away in 2008, Gershon helped us out so much with the levaya and shiva in Jerusalem... He arranged a gorgeous house for us to stay in and got the yeshiva to come for minyanim during shiva and arranged all the food... And he was so calm and natural about it, really chesed done the perfect way.
When I was in Israel this past year for yeshiva, I used to go to gershon for shabbos meals sometimes. On weeks when his family wasn't up for guests he would tell me I can still come (without friends) because I was like family... Just the thing a guy by himself in Israel would love to hear...
He used to let me use his computer whenever I needed, but in gershon burd style- he gave me the keys to his office and told me to return them to his
mailbox when I was done.
Once he asked me, all excited, if I wanted to try on a suit. He told me he would get designer Italian suits on eBay for cheap and give them to yeshiva guys so "yeshiva guys are wearing these really nice suits! Isn't that neat?"
I was shaken to hear he passed away. Gershon was that tall, calm and sturdy guy, the kind u could always trust and turn to. When I came to Israel the first time, he gave us his steady upbeat "shalom! Welcome to Jerusalem!"
Gershon really touched and meant so much to so many people. When word got around on erev shabbos that he was at death's door, it was incredible how the Chicago community (where I was at the time) had this outpouring of Torah tefillah and chesed for his zchus...
We will all miss you gershon.
May his wife and children and all the rest of us who miss him be comforted among the mourners of tzion and Jerusalem.

(47)
Anonymous,
October 15, 2013 1:15 AM

May his memory always be for a blessing. Sending sincere condolences to Batya and family.

(46)
Anonymous,
October 15, 2013 1:09 AM

wow!

that was truly awe-inspiring.he was really an amazing person!

(45)
In a,
October 14, 2013 11:46 PM

Inspiring, thank you.

What an amazing human being. May all of us reading of Gershon's kindness find more chesed in our hearts and contribute to the world at least in some small way as compared to Gershon's. May Gershon's children carry this story of their father with pride. May your family be comforted.

(44)
taliah,
October 14, 2013 9:42 PM

angels among us

I cried reading this..God keeps him in his light

(43)
Ruth,
October 14, 2013 9:29 PM

He continues to teach and inspire more then ever

Learning about Gershon's hidden giving will change my life forever. I will try to aspire to secretly give in the merit of Gershon's aliyat Neshama. Thank you Sara for revealing his hidden greatness to us.

(42)
BATYA BURD,
October 14, 2013 8:10 PM

Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers and chesed

Shalom Aish readers,I felt a need after seeing all of these comments to respond. First off, absolutely I will still be running WesternWallPrayers.org and feel the inspiration more than ever to grow it and give you more. I would like to make a global community emanating from your home in Jerusalem - from the place where the divine presence is revealed most in this world. I am creating a blog on the wwp website. I want to bond with you. We all have pain, and all that pain emanates from the lack of clarity and the lack of spiritual elevation on our part. It is this lack that causes us to have just the Kotel - just this one last remnant of the glorious Temple - the place and palace where the divine light is supposed to be revealed, clear and accessible to all of us. I believe we are on the front of a new revolution. A kindness and modesty revolution. A world where people can see others around them and use all of their mental and financial resources to find ways to make their friend's life better. To fill that friend's lack in a way that the friend feels that he did it himself so it saves his/her dignity. To consider the suffering of his friend as his own suffering. Every day we can work to this goal. Imagine such a world? I live in such a world today. The streets around me are filled with people who consider my newly orphaned children, their children. My need for a clean house, their need for a clean house. My need for food, their need to feed me. I have little words left to describe the beautiful effect that this seeming tragedy has had on the personalities of my closest friends and casual acquaintances. I know my husband is humbled, proud and excited about the amazing changes that are taking place. Please G-d we should all rise to the occasion and work to be better and more giving people every day. I miss him to no end, and the love that this has inspired for all of humanity and the beauty in people is the precious gift he left me. Batya

sholom,
October 18, 2013 4:13 AM

batya, your family is with you

Gershon taught us how to connect to another Jew on a level that is normally only expressed to the closest of family.

Please, please find comfort knowing that your family is here for you now and forever.

May our Father comfort you, provide you and your precious children with strength and healing, and may we merit to share in peaceful, happy tidings

(41)
Dz,
October 14, 2013 8:09 PM

Inspired

Batya, I hope you eventually read this and find Nechama in the fact that your husband inspired so many people.You must have been a true Eishes Chayil, even to support him in the tzedakahs "you caught onto"

May Hkbh shower down His Brachos upon you and give you much Hatzlacha and Nechama

(40)
Mark,
October 14, 2013 7:34 PM

Humbling

I am not a soft man by any stretch. But this article brought me to tears and showed me what a real man is all about. haShem has humbled the mighty.

(39)
Anonymous,
October 14, 2013 6:45 PM

I remember calling to submit a name and how special they sounded. With much concern, they returned the call last minute and submitted them. See, how people don't forget...Gd bless them!

(38)
Gershom & Rivkah Taub,
October 14, 2013 6:39 PM

In the tradition of a true tzaddik, it would seem that Gershon's hidden chesed not only increased the merit of the actions, but spared the recipient embarrassment. May his deeds, his smile,& his ahavas Hashem & His people be a comfort to his dear family & and an enormous inspiration to all.

(37)
Anonymous,
October 14, 2013 6:09 PM

Secret

i know someone who has done similar acts of anonymous kindness, including fake prizes, and the like, but this fellow seems to have mastered the art.What an inspiration--and what an example of what more of us could do if we only put our minds to it!Zichrono l'bracha (may his memory serve as a blessing for all of us).

(36)
Anonymous,
October 14, 2013 5:50 PM

Amazing!

I have been a client of Western Wall Prayer several times in the last couple of years, asking for prayer for my soul mate/marriage. This story has made me realize I need to focus on helping the Prayer Agents then worrying about marriage and myself.

(35)
Chana,
October 14, 2013 4:44 PM

Best story ever!

I have never read such a touching story of a person life. Amazing. Betya, I know you feel hurt but your husband was one of the good lights in this world.

(34)
Anonymous,
October 14, 2013 12:00 PM

Wow. Inspiring beyond words. I rarely comment on things I read on the Internet but this really touched me. May H' bring comfort to His family.

(33)
Ari,
October 14, 2013 11:57 AM

Powerful

How can anyone who reads this article NOT be inspired to click on that link and donate!

(32)
Anonymous,
October 14, 2013 11:26 AM

Sincere condolences from Australia

May you be comforted amongst the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalim from us aish.com readers in Australia

(31)
Bonnie Cohen,
October 14, 2013 8:18 AM

Gershon brought so much light into this world

I have known Batya since her first days at EYAHT. It is the women like Batya who have always inspired me to work very hard for Jewish Women's education.

Gershon & Batya were an incredible team and an inspiration to everyone who has the privilege to know then. Batya,may Hashem give you the strength and the bracha to continue to raise your beautiful children in the loving Torah home that you and Gershon build together.

We we all continue to do mitzvahs in Gershon's memory.

(30)
yonatan eisenberg,
October 14, 2013 6:49 AM

May we all take a bit of Gershon with us and follow in his steps

I'll miss you Gershon

(29)
lynn finson,
October 14, 2013 5:03 AM

yes, one of the 36 hidden tzadikim

A beautiful, inspiring message to us all., He died on his birthday, a clear indication he fulfilled his sublime purpose. May his wife and children and extended family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

(28)
gavriel horan,
October 14, 2013 4:37 AM

Gershon obligates all of us

Gershon's life obligates all of us to do more in this world to help other people - to seek out creative opportunities to make the world a better place without anyone knowing. Having read this story I don't doubt that he was truly a hidden tzaddik. I can't imagine how hard this is for his beautiful family. Hashem should bless them with incredible strength but with their father looking down on them from the Next World, I am certain they will overcome and continue Gershon's legacy. We cannot understand why such a tragedy had to happen but Gershon would surely have told us that it is all for the best. May his name be remembered for blessings. . . .

(27)
Barry Graham,
October 14, 2013 3:43 AM

Our Lunch with Gershon and Family

Last summer my oldest son and I attended a wedding in Jerusalem. We were there one Shabbos and we chose to spend part of it with the Burd family and they invited us for lunch. I knew Gershon from the Center Program at Ohr Somayach and he ate at our home in Jerusalem before he got married. We stayed in touch for more than 10 years and I am so pleased that he was one of the few people we spent time with last year during our short visit, especially now he is no longer in olam hazeh. Indeed I never saw him get upset. He was a mensch, he cared, and while I didn't know about his "other" life it does not surprise me in the least because that was Gershon, always caring about others and being a mensch with true humility and modesty. Gershon you are missed already.

(26)
Gevura,
October 14, 2013 3:22 AM

True Torah Heroes

Batya's strength and courage during her darkest hours is truly remarkable. May HaShem continue to Shine His face upon your family, and may we all merit to follow Rav Gershon's ways. In a world flooded with darkness, his example is a pillar of light, illuminating a path we met all strive to follow.

(25)
Anonymous,
October 13, 2013 11:30 PM

Why should his wife and children be deprived of a husband and father?

This is a heartbreaking, yet inspirational story of a good man who was taken from those who need him most...his wife and children. Who can understand this tragedy...it is beyond what we can fathom. May his memory be a blessing.

(24)
Anonymous,
October 13, 2013 10:02 PM

He also made friends with Sammy Erez up there

(23)
Anthony,
October 13, 2013 9:32 PM

He started a 40 days segulah program at the Kotel

and it looks like he who started this 40 days segulah program at the KOtel, ended his life here on earth after 40 years. He completed his "Tikkun" after 40 years like Israel in the desert, and left this world. He was a true Tzadik, and after his Tikkun was completed, HaShem did not need to keep him here on earth any longer. I never knew this tragedy happened to Batya and her sweet family. I truly mourn for this family. Batya helped me in the most difficult days of my life she does not even know how much. I always thought that Batya was the greatest tsadiqa I ever knew, and now I understand that such a great woman was married to such an incredible Tsadiq. From the depth of my heart; I pray for you, Batya and for your lovely children. May the Almighty Blessed be He, comfort you among the mourners of Zion and of Jerusalem, amen,

(22)
Jerry Kidd,
October 13, 2013 9:25 PM

I am speechless

This truly touched my heart and made me happy that I am Jewish and share that one thing with Gershon!

(21)
Anonymous,
October 13, 2013 9:14 PM

Western Wall Prayers donor

I was a client of Western Wall Prayers for my husband who has since passed away. Gershon Byrd was his shaliach for prayers at the wall. I hope that Batya will continue this service. It was important to me. May Batya be comforted among the mourners of zion and Jerusalem. We cannot understand how life events happen, but we can be sure that Hashem has his reasons for every action.

(20)
Dmitry Isakovsky,
October 13, 2013 8:02 PM

Life is not fair!

The fact that such a person drowned at the tender age of forty seems a terrible injustice and makes very little sense in the light of what the Torah states regarding rewards and punishments for the righteous and the wicked.

Rationalize it as much as you want, but if the facts of the story are straight, - the life has a very little meaning to it!

Sad . . .

Anonymous,
October 13, 2013 8:51 PM

Not Why But What

We cant understand G-D's ways but what do need to understand this man made every moment count not why but what can I learn from this extraordinary human being.

anon,
October 13, 2013 9:26 PM

the purpose of life

I suspect Gershon would disagree with your assessment;

According to Ramchal, we're here to perfect ourselves; some never get there, some after a long lifetime; there are some "over-achievers"; Gershon is one them; yehi zichro varuch

Lisa,
October 13, 2013 9:41 PM

GD gave us no guarantees in this world!!

Olem Habah....The Next World is the true world...the fair world.....the world where we get what we deserve....that world is forever, this world is temporary! Never easy to comprehend....

Rosa,
October 13, 2013 10:49 PM

life is sad

You are so right, and the only good answer I ever read came from garden of Shalom - while his family i s suffering, Gershno earned his Olam Haba, made his tikkun an dis now with G-d. People only die when they have fulfilled their destiny. He died at 40, I shuddered when I read this. Perhaps he atoned for Rabbi Akiva, who was unlearned in Torah till age of 40, I am just spectating but read Garden of Shalom. Good people who die agree with G-d and come to the world to do their part. Give to Batay now.

Rebecca C.,
October 13, 2013 11:16 PM

Real meaning in life looks beyond this world

To assume that the Torah only refers to reward and punishment in this world is very nearsighted. Bayta very clearly explains the firm Jewish belief (and Christians also believe this):

“that if the giver gets something from his chesed [act of loving-kindness], it diminishes the chesed. So if someone knows what you did, it means you got something from it, recognition or whatever. The mitzvah is much more powerful if you get nothing … except in the Next World.”

This belief makes sense because any rewards we could get for our good acts in this world pale in comparison to the wonderful rewards in the Next World.

We can also look at it another way and see great meaning in Gershon's life. God knew that Gershon would die young, since he knows all things. Therefore, we can see great meaning in the fact that in such a short life, God helped Gershon to do so many loving things for so many people. If Gershon had taken your perspective that life has no meaning, then he would probably not have done so much good for so many people. But since he had faith in God and in something greater than this world, he devoted his life to giving to others, and showed that his life was full of meaning no matter how long or short it was. Just ask all the people he helped if his life had meaning or not. I think they will all say yes, and furthermore, his life will probably inspire many others to follow in his footsteps and do more for others.

May his soul rest in peace with God.

Avi,
October 14, 2013 2:23 AM

Hashem is perfectly just!

We need to try and fit our mind into Hashem's, not Hashem into our mind; otherwise we are serving ourselves. We are limited beings and can understand much, but there are areas that remind us that we are human. We don't understand why special righteous people are often taken young, but often their light shines in the world even brighter when they have transcended. If each of us can have that much more sensitivity and kindness and work on a genuine relationship with Hashem like Gershon did, then his impact will be truly far-reaching. Gershon didn't get stuck on philosophical challenges of poverty, inequality, and suffering. He was a man of action who trusted Hashem has an overall perfect plan and therefore emulated His way's of working with deep modesty, taking care of those in need. To think there are 35 other people on the planet with such astounding greatness!

Yisrael Asper,
October 14, 2013 3:23 AM

His life had meaning and has meaning.

If it has no meaning there can be no injustice. It has meaning and it is a meaning that goes beyond the physical because only that can have real meaning.

Barry Graham,
October 14, 2013 3:24 AM

Reward and Punishment

It doesn't say anywhere in the Torah that the righteous won't suffer, in fact the Torah talks about the suffering of righteous peole.

Raphael,
October 14, 2013 3:45 AM

Quite the contrary

Dmitry:

Actually, from a Jewish perspective, there is no contradiction if a very good person has a short life.Judaism teaches that this world is just one short (though important) stop on a long journey. What the rest of the world calls "Afterlife" is the real Life, this world is a place to prepare for it.Living with this concept can change one's essence. Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Shneerson, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, was imprisoned and tortured by the Soviets. During his interrogation, one henchman took out a gun and said, "This will make you talk." The Rav retorted, "That only works for those which have 2 gods and one world, but not for those who have One G-d and two worlds!" He was eventually freed.Gershon was given forty wonderful years to accomplish in this world. Everyone agrees that he accomplished. That's what this world is all about - accomplishment, not just duration.

David Herz,
October 14, 2013 5:04 AM

It only has the meaning we give it.

Life has no meaning except for the meaning we add. It appears that Gershon added a lot of meaning and drew great satisfaction from creating joy in other's lives. Some of us probably don't do in a lifetime what this man did in a year.

It is true that "Life is not fair!" but we could take a different perspective. Perhaps instead we could suggest that there is incredible justice in that this talented young man found a calling and a mission and was able to bring forth what he did in the short time he had.

Dina,
October 14, 2013 5:26 AM

It's fair if you believe in G-d and the Next World

Dmitry, it's not fair if you believe that life ends after this world. But if you believe that there is an afterlife which makes this life look like a moment compared to its eternity, then it makes complete sense that reward and punishment can be given in the eternal life.

Anonymous,
October 14, 2013 7:10 AM

Life is short, the next world is eternal

It appears sad, if we consider life as consisting of just physical birth till death. But in fact our souls life is much longer. The body's lifespan (even if 120 years) is merely a blink of the eye of the much longer eternal life of the soul. His soul will live in a much better life, where it will one day be reunited with his wives.

Sidenote, 40 is kabalistically a holy time to pass as is on one's birthday.

(19)
jon,
October 13, 2013 7:41 PM

the best partner

Thank you Mrs. Rigler for writing this beautiful article.Many people are shocked at the mysterious hidden nature/actions of Gersh.I am not one of them.It was my zchus to be Gershon's workout partner for many years in Israel.One might ask how working out can be an uplifting ruchnias (spiritual) experience?Gershon Burd made EVERYTHING a ruchnias experience.High intensity with a Torah twist.I would pretend that I needed to go to the old city to work out.Any excuse to spend more valuable time with my dear friend Gersh.The bear hug, the grin, those inspiring words.Was there ever a time when it wasn't "all good" with Gershon?He would probably try to convince us now how "it is all good" even with our broken hearts.Gershon didn't need fancy shoes or suits.He was living his dream to help the Jewish people.Gershon accomplished in 40 years what most people will never accomplish in 120 years.The pain we feel is excruciating.David S. wrote--if you only knew how much more he did.So true.He did so much for all of us.Devastated.

(18)
,
October 13, 2013 6:35 PM

in the wings! for Burd and Bird, aurallly same

I could say God is in the wings here, in this beautiful story or I could say, also, that here is God playing at being Gershon Burd.I am seeing Divinity resides in us all, and a man, so sweet, who takes such delight in helping others, is certainly, if not God, a winged messenger.

(17)
Anonymous,
October 13, 2013 5:31 PM

Shlomo Zakheim

I have a feeling this fellow is in Gan Eiden and made a new friend Shlomo "Steve" Zakheim who also passed away recently and spent his life helping others anonymously... the world has lost to many good people...

(16)
sumner cohen,
October 13, 2013 5:13 PM

Gershon Burd

He was a truly remarkable man. He followed Hashems ways of Chesed, one mitzvah begets another mitzvah. He did things for others anonomously which is the right way because you do for others as Hashem dictactes and expect nothing in return.

(15)
Dovid Begoun,
October 13, 2013 4:37 PM

Thank You

Mrs. Rigler,Thank you so much for writing this beautiful piece. The world needs to know who Gershon was. I live in Deerfield where he is from and have known him for years. He was the happiest person I ever knew. Rav Hirsch says that the word samayach (happy) is related to the word tzomayach (growing). A person is truly happy when they are constantly growing towards the fulfillment of their purpose and mission in this world. That's who Gershon was and that is why he was always happy. Two great Tzadikim left the world last week and the world will never be the same without them. Thanks for writing this beautiful piece. I managed to hold back the tears until the last paragraph. Then I lost it. So powerful.

(14)
Daniel,
October 13, 2013 4:14 PM

A Real Tzadik and True Baal Chesed

He really was an a inspiring human being. We can all learn and aspire to follow his derech on helping others without making them feel helpless. Yehi Zichro Baruch,b'h

(13)
judith bell,
October 13, 2013 3:26 PM

condolences

My heart is broken for this family. A life cut short too soon. I have used Western Wall prayers and it is a very comforting service. My deepest sympathies to the family. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion.

(12)
Michael (Mohse) Feigin,
October 13, 2013 3:13 PM

I knew Gershon in Yeshiva...

I met him at Ohr Somayach where his generosity was so great, and I was so unused to it coming from a secular college for a few week trip. I came to his apartment to use his phone, or rather, wireless headset attached to his computer for making phone calls. I offered to pay, but he wouldn't take it. Then, without asking whatsoever, he told me in his two floor yeshiva apartment, "there's some cake downstairs and I put a piece on the table for you.", that I finally said to him ... "Did a Rabbi put you up to this?" He was startled and really had no idea what I was talking about. "I mean, did a Rabbi tell you just to be overly nice to me to try and get me to come here to learn?" The look on his face suddenly made me feel really silly for even thinking such a thing.

I went to his wedding which was stunning and very different from the typical yeshiva student type (this might be Batya's doing, but in any case, he went along with it).

Then a few years ago he told me he was raising $1 million for Bircas HaTorah. In fact, he semi-regularly kept in contact with me via email. The way he was raising the money was by getting people to commit to $36/month. I've never attended Bircas HaTorah, but suffice to say, I believed his genuineness so much that I almost did fly my family to Israel to attend and do donate to his yeshiva, the only one that I regularly give to outside of my own and that of my kids. He had that effect on me, I suppose.

His petira is simply a shock. Baruch dayan emes.

(11)
david s,
October 13, 2013 2:30 PM

if you only knew how much more he did

The method of getting small donations to cover a major purchase for the Yeshiva as opposed to looking for one or two large ones, having many people feel a part of it way typical of his genuine love of sharing, even in tzedaka. It wouldve looked better to some if he'd get a big donor to cove it all. Gershon saw the wisdom in doing it the traditional humble way. His life was an example to all of us: do what you can for others.

(10)
Esti,
October 13, 2013 2:24 PM

A Light for us all to see

I am incredibly amazed by Rabbi Burd's selfless acts in a world consumed by selfishness. Gershon utilized social media tools like Facebook not to self-promote, but to help facilitate the prayers and dreams of others. May your memory be a blessing and may your family know no more sorrows.

(9)
Jeff,
October 13, 2013 2:04 PM

inspiring

A truly great man. He makes me want to be a better man.

(8)
Tzvi,
October 13, 2013 1:48 PM

Now a widow and 5 orphans. They need your help.

Nice article, but more importantly, this family is now in desperate need of help. You need to do a better job encouraging people to give.

This is the blurb about and fund set up to provide support:

The Gershon Burd, zt”l, Family Endowment

The past few days, since the loss of our beloved Gershon Binyomin ben Eliezer, zt”l, have been among the most difficult and painful that I and many of us have ever faced. We are literally groping about, attempting to regain our footing, beseeching Hashem to reach out and guide us through an extremely murky and uncertain future.

Our most current and pressing need is to provide everything necessary for Gershon’s, zt”l, widow, Batya, and her 5 young children, both in the near- and long-term. They are now our family. His children are our children.

This yeshiva is committed to taking care of them for many, many years, including through milestones such as Bar Mitzvahs and weddings.

Baruch Hashem, hundreds of people worldwide had a real connection with, and deep love for Gershon, zt”l -- and have sent us e-mails telling us so. Many are wondering what they can do now to help his wife and children to survive.Therefore, in response to our tragic loss which we all share, the mashgiach, Rabbi Wegbreit, and I have established “The Gershon Burd, zt”l, Family Endowment.”

This tax-free fund is dedicated to the total support of Gershon’s, zt”l, wife and 5 children for the foreseeable future. We aim to raise 1 million dollars toward this fund immediately, in order to bring her hope and menuchos hanefesh.

To join in this effort, please visit www.bircas.org/donate Donations to Batya Burd and her children can be made by selecting 'The Gershon Burd Family Endowment' from the Credit Card donation page.

(7)
rebecca,
October 13, 2013 1:47 PM

Sad but Amazing!

So sad but amazing. What an extraordinary and inspirational human being. May He Rest In Peace and May his family be comforted by Hashem and their community!

(6)
Anonymous,
October 13, 2013 1:09 PM

Amazing

This is an inspiring, humbling story. An example to follow. His wife and children can be very proud of their husband and father's achievements. I am embarrassed I am not a better man.

(5)
michelle,
October 13, 2013 12:38 PM

Shine ON!

Indeed, Gershon is shining bright and illuminating the world!

(4)
J,
October 13, 2013 12:26 PM

A Tzadik!

Wow - A friend of mine told me about this gentleman very briefly before Shabbos (just that he left behind a family) and I wanted to know more about him and his story. I now know his story and I am in awe of this Tzadik. May his neshama have many aliyahs in the world to come!

(3)
Anonymous,
October 13, 2013 11:48 AM

Rav Burd saved my life.

I know Rav Burd gave. This inspired me to give in hidden ways also. What Rav Burd taught me was that I could do so in a way that does not shame anyone. This has saved my life. Thank you Rav Burd.

(2)
Leah Amdur,
October 13, 2013 11:32 AM

Gershon Burd

What a great Tzadik. There are no words to describe his greatness. I am in awe. A very inspiring man.

(1)
Lisa,
October 13, 2013 7:59 AM

Torah true tzedaka

I am a client of Western Wall Prayers.....I thought it was some huge organization ....in fact I had my doubts of its authenticity....however it was tzedaka , so I gave. Now I see that this amazing group has a face , a true identity!! And I look back & see that the person they are davening for is having a real refuah! May Gershon Burd's neshama fly high in Olem Habah.

My nephew is having his bar mitzvah and I am thinking of a gift. In the old days, the gift of choice was a fountain pen, then a Walkman, and today an iPod. But I want to get him something special. What do you suggest?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Since this event celebrates the young person becoming obligated in the commandments, the most appropriate gift is, naturally, one that gives a deeper understanding of the Jewish heritage and enables one to better perform the mitzvot! (An iPod, s/he can get anytime.)

With that in mind, my favorite gift idea is a tzedakah (charity) box. Every Jew should have a tzedakah box in his home, so he can drop in change on a regular basis. The money can then be given to support a Jewish school or institution -- in your home town or in Israel (every Jews’ “home town”). There are beautiful tzedakah boxes made of wood and silver, and you can see a selection here.

For boys, a really beautiful gift is a pair of tefillin, the black leather boxes which contain parchments of Torah verses, worn on the bicep and the head. Owning a pair of Tefillin (and wearing them!) is an important part of Jewish identity. But since they are expensive (about $400), not every Bar Mitzvah boy has a pair. To make sure you get kosher Tefillin, see here.

In 1944, the Nazis perpetrated the Children's Action in the Kovno Ghetto. That day and the next, German soldiers conducted house-to-house searches to round up all children under age 12 (and adults over 55) -- and sent them to their deaths at Fort IX. Eventually, the Germans blew up every house with grenades and dynamite, on suspicion that Jews might be in hiding in underground bunkers. They then poured gasoline over much of the former ghetto and incinerated it. Of the 37,000 Jews in Kovno before the Holocaust, less than 10 percent survived. One of the survivors was Rabbi Ephraim Oshri, who later published a stirring collection of rabbinical responsa, detailing his life-and-death decisions during the Holocaust. Also on this date, in 1937, American Jews held a massive anti-Nazi rally in New York City's Madison Square Garden.

In a letter to someone who found it difficult to study Torah, the 20th century sage the Chazon Ish wrote:

"Some people find it hard to be diligent in their Torah studies. But the difficulty persists only for a short while - if the person sincerely resolves to submerge himself in his studies. Very quickly the feelings of difficulty will go away and he will find that there is no worldly pleasure that can compare with the pleasure of studying Torah diligently."

Although actions generally have much greater impact than thoughts, thoughts may have a more serious effect in several areas.

The distance that our hands can reach is quite limited. The ears can hear from a much greater distance, and the reach of the eye is much farther yet. Thought, however, is virtually limitless in its reach. We can think of objects millions of light years away, and so we have a much greater selection of improper thoughts than of improper actions.

Thought also lacks the restraints that can deter actions. One may refrain from an improper act for fear of punishment or because of social disapproval, but the privacy of thought places it beyond these restraints.

Furthermore, thoughts create attitudes and mindsets. An improper action creates a certain amount of damage, but an improper mindset can create a multitude of improper actions. Finally, an improper mindset can numb our conscience and render us less sensitive to the effects of our actions. We therefore do not feel the guilt that would otherwise come from doing an improper act.

We may not be able to avoid the occurrence of improper impulses, but we should promptly reject them and not permit them to dwell in our mind.

Today I shall...

make special effort to avoid harboring improper thoughts.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...